This native perennial grows singly or in bunches. Slender stems are 1 1/2 to 4 feet tall. Shiny, 2-7 inch long, dark green leaves have soft, velvety hairs on the upper surface. The 2-4 inch long spikes, straight at first but characteristically arching at maturity, extend well above the leaves (C). The narrow, straight glumes, responsible for the bristly appearance of the spike, persist after the seeds fall, often until the following spring (E,F).
Dry to moist upland or lowland woods and edges. Hairy Wild Rye is common and widespread at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. There are especially good displays along Hawthorn Trail in the savanna restoration at Fontenelle Forest (B). Flowering occurs from late May to July.
Virginia Wild Rye (Elymus virginicus) has straight spikes that usually are partly enclosed in the upper leaves. Glumes are broader and fall with the seeds leaving a naked stem. Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis) has longer, thicker arching spikes with long awns that are curved and twisted at maturity giving the spike a shaggy look.
Downy Wild Rye and Slender Wild Rye are other common names for this graceful woodland species.
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